Public policy and government affairs for a networked society

Ericsson engages and collaborates with governments, regulators, legislators, businesses and industry associations to achieve positive and sustainable long term conditions for the ICT sector.

Around the world, government efforts to regulate the ICT sector are increasing, as issues related to network regulation, spectrum allocations, data flows, forced localization, cybersecurity, privacy and trade continue to drive policy in markets around the world. With our presence in more than 180 countries, Ericsson’s Government & Industry Relations team works with our stakeholders to craft regulatory and public solutions that drive innovation, economic growth and societal inclusion.

Demand side ICT policy is concerned with regulation of commercial actors, create new opportunities for society and to regulate rights pertaining to the industrial internet, Internet of Things, media and content regulations, data protection & data-driven innovation

Events and activities

Sound policy making is grounded on an inclusive dialog between key stakeholders in an open society. Consequently, Ericsson aims to bring our policy positions to arenas where free exchange of ideas contributes to societal development, as well as an invaluable opportunity for us to learn from other stakeholders.

Net neutrality and Ericsson

In December 2017, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted to return the Internet's legal framework to the way it was prior to 2015. Sounds pretty straight-forward, right? Get the inside scoop from our very own Government & Industry Relations pros Jared Carlson and Barbara Baffer. Read more

Mr. Ekholm goes to Washington

The week of March 5, a Swedish delegation, including Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, Börje Ekholm, and several other Swedish CEOs, met with President Trump at the White House to discuss trade and security. Read more

FCC Commissioner talks 5G during Ericsson visit

On October 26, United States Federal Communications (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr made his first visit to Ericsson. Carr was recently confirmed as one of five FCC Commissioners and since has set his priorities on spectrum, zoning, infrastructure and jobs. He is very focused on 5G and clearing the way for infrastructure deployment in the United States.

The Commissioner stated he is committed to speeding up the time for zoning approvals. Throughout the meetings, he shared his desire to make spectrum in the millimeter wave bands available. The commissioner stated the FCC is focused on balancing the playing field between edge providers and network providers – recognizing that networks must be modernized to enable new uses.

Carr asked for our feedback on deployment delays and ways the FCC can quicken wireless deployments. The day ended in the Experience Center, showing key demos and the future of 5G with a 5G test drive.

Ericsson welcomes EU trade ministers of the Digital 9+

On October 18, Ericsson welcomed the ‘Digital 9’ (D9+) - a group of European Ministers for digitalization and the European Single Market” - for discussions on the opportunities and the challenges of driving European digitalization. The event showcased how governments and business can work better together for a more connected EU. Read more >>>

World Economic Forum

At World Economic Forum 2017, we highlighted that business leaders can’t just accept that globalization and free trade are things of the past. Businesses must adapt to the new reality of nationalism and borders.

B20 and G20 2018

B20 is an vehicle for business to share ideas and contribute suggestions to the chairmanship’s secretariat of G20. Ericsson has been again invited to contribute with policy thoughts in the Digital Economy and Industry 4.0 Task Force on how to advance the G20 digital policy agenda, now head by the Argentinian presidency.

Task Force on how to advance the G20 digital policy agenda, now head by the Argentinian presidency.

Ericsson Testifies Before Congress

On April 5, Ericsson participated in a congressional hearing on wireless and broadband policy issues before the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. The hearing, entitled “Fueling the 21st Century Wireless Economy,” explored possible solutions for meeting increasing consumer demand for wireless services, and how commercial mobile, unlicensed, and satellite providers deploy those solutions.

Jared Carlson, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy testimony covered the demand trends documented in the Ericsson Mobility Report, the promise and future of technologies such as 5G and ‘The Internet of Things,’ and the actions Congress can take through legislative measures such as the pending MOBILE NOW Act. He also fielded questions from multiple committee members on mobile data plans, 5G standards, unlicensed technologies, cybersecurity, and MIMO technology, among others.